David Johnson, a former All-Pro running back who accumulated 6,876 yards from scrimmage and 58 touchdowns over eight seasons, announced his retirement from the NFL on Sunday.
Johnson, who last played in a regular-season game for the New Orleans Saints in 2022, shared the news via Instagram.
“I’m looking forward to my next career path in life,” Johnson wrote. “I don’t know exactly what that will be, but I hope it will bring me the same passion, excitement, and love as football did!”
Johnson’s NFL journey began when the Arizona Cardinals selected him out of Northern Iowa in the third round of the 2015 draft. He made an immediate impact, becoming the first player in NFL history to score a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown, and kickoff return touchdown within the first two games of his career.
His jersey and cleats from those games were sent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Reflecting on his career, Johnson expressed gratitude to the Cardinals.
“I am blessed and very appreciative of the Cardinals drafting me in the 3rd round, and I started my NFL career hitting the ground running (literally)! Two games in, getting my uniform and cleats put in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton,” he wrote.
In his second season, Johnson led the NFL in both yards from scrimmage (2,118) and total touchdowns (20), earning first-team All-Pro honors and his only Pro Bowl selection. That year, he rushed for 1,239 yards, the only time he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in his career.
Johnson, 32, spent five seasons with the Cardinals before being traded to the Houston Texans in 2020 in a high-profile deal that sent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona. He played two seasons in Houston and appeared in five games for the Saints in 2022.
Over his career, Johnson amassed 4,071 rushing yards and 2,805 receiving yards. Of his 58 touchdowns, 39 were rushing, 18 were receiving, and one came on a kickoff return. His 33 rushing touchdowns with the Cardinals rank him third in franchise history.
Reflecting on his career and legacy, Johnson wrote, “When it’s all said and done, I really hope I impacted at least one person on and off the field in a positive way. I hope I was able to pay it forward, from the countless people who guided and taught me the right way to go about business, and giving back with integrity and a humble demeanor!”
As Johnson steps away from football, his fans and former teammates will remember him not just for his on-field achievements but also for his humility and dedication to make a positive impact.
